Year: 2025
Type: other
Abstract: Cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) are mammals whose ancestors developed on land. Bottlenose dolphins, like all cetaceans, have an apneustic breathing pattern. The physiology of anesthesia is different from that of sleep, especially in cetaceans. The superficial appearance of these two physiological states, however, gives rise to the common comparison of administering general anesthesia with inducing sleep. Cetaceans have been mechanically restrained and intubated without sedation for inhalant anesthetic delivery, however a balanced anesthetic approach may be more appropriate. Endotracheal intubation of adult bottlenose dolphins and larger odontocete species is usually performed by an oral approach to the larynx. Given their anatomy and physiology, cetaceans are particularly susceptible to lung infection and pneumonia is the most commonly diagnosed cause of severe disease in these species. Consequently, since these animals mask disease, a high index of suspicion should be maintained.
Authors: James E. Bailey, Chris Dold
Language: English
Subfield: Small Animals
Field: Veterinary
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Funder: U.S. Navy
OpenAlex ID: W4406502154